Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 334, Chapter 343: The Day of Pacification of Two Prefectures and Conferment of the Title of King

"Your Majesty, this man is the one who has the people's will; do not refuse!"

"Who but Your Majesty can occupy the supreme position?"

"Father!"

"Father!"

Li Xian had inadvertently taken the lead, and the generals of Hedong cursed inwardly before kneeling down in unison.

The trick of declining three times and refusing three times is already tedious for martial artists.

Even knowing that in the capital city today, only Li Yisheng is capable of becoming emperor, and there are no surprises.

However, the fact that the other party declined twice still caused anxiety.

After all, their superior was the Prince of Jin, and at most, they could only become generals;

However, if one's superior is the emperor, and one has made great contributions in battle, one can be rewarded with the title of king or marquis!

However, Li Yisheng took the imperial edict in his hand but did not speak. He simply stroked the words on it: "On the first day of the new year, I will ascend the altar with my ministers to receive the imperial seal and ribbon."

"Li Zongling, you have not yet answered my question."

Upon hearing the other party's self-identification, Li Xian knew that he was facing the current emperor, and his expression became even more respectful.

"Your Majesty, I have already answered."

"Oh?"

"Your Majesty is a sage emperor, the supreme ruler of the world. All favors, punishments, rewards, and punishments originate from Your Majesty alone."

"Whether it's thunder or rain, it's all the Emperor's grace. I think Vice Minister Li understands this principle. Whatever arrangements you make, he will do his utmost to repay the Emperor's kindness."

"It's all for His Majesty and for the court. How could we, as his subjects, have any complaints?"

After hearing these words, Li Siyuan and Li Cunxiao couldn't help but applaud.

In fact, they could tell that Li Yisheng was already somewhat tempted by their persuasion.

The army's expedition was laborious and costly, and the money, provisions, and medicines were almost exhausted.

Sending Li Cunxiao to the rear to oversee the situation would inevitably lead to Qi Ci accompanying him, thus effectively restraining the King of Shu and ensuring stability in the rear.

Incidentally, the southwestern mountains are teeming with demons, so one can also obtain elixirs from the local resources, making it a win-win situation.

The reason they refused was simply because they couldn't save face.

But Li Xian's words actually provided an excellent opportunity to back down.

The emperor is the mandate of heaven, and the emperor's orders are correct. The Thirteen Protectors are all your loyal ministers. You only need to act according to your own will. How can others have any say?
"As expected of a noble family, Minister Li is much more astute than the soldiers who fight in the army."

Li Yisheng finally smiled, his tone teasing, though it was unclear who he was addressing.

"Now is the time when we need capable people. Minister Li is well-versed in the laws and regulations, so he should stay and remain as Minister of Rites."

“Another person can be selected from the clan to serve as the governor of Qin Prefecture, so as to facilitate communication with the Prince of Qi.”

Li Xian was overjoyed. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

In the past, the Li family of Longxi had close ties with Prince Qi, Li Zhengchen, because of their geographical location. After all, they lived in close proximity, and the latter also intended to act as a go-between with the Immortal Taiyi.

However, after Li Yisheng became a Grandmaster and swept across the north, Li Zhengchen immediately abandoned his ambition to become king and dominate the country and stepped forward to kneel down.

Needless to say, the Li family of Longxi became a vassal of a vassal.

Originally, this was still manageable, but the death of Taiyi Zhenren greatly reduced the value of his influence.

It is different now.

In particular, the appointment of the governor of Qin Prefecture, a place right next to the capital, and the fact that the Li family of Longxi was allowed to choose the person themselves, the implications of which are self-evident.

Now, bypassing the middleman, they've directly latched onto a powerful figure. Even the Prince of Qi, out of respect for Li Yisheng, can no longer act arrogantly in his presence.

Ultimately, all of this stems from the legacy of the True Man Taiyi, and is now the Thirteen Protectors, Li Cunxiao!
'Luckily, I received a warning from Saburo before coming, otherwise I almost messed things up.'

Li Xian's mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts, which he could not share with outsiders.

The soldiers of Hedong around them, seeing the official positions of a minister and a prefect being bestowed, were all green with envy. They shouted "Long live the emperor!" and sang praises, hoping to be promoted as well.

Although Li Yisheng was very pleased with it, he was very cautious about Mingjue.

Afterwards, Li Min was simply given the title of Duke of Anle for his sensible abdication in accordance with the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people, and was placed in the old residence of the Prince's Mansion.

The Taiji Palace is about to change hands today, but preparations for the coronation and the change of era name cannot be rushed.

After calming everyone down and sending them away, he then sent someone to summon Li Cunxiao.

The latter, who was already keeping a close eye on the movements of the Prince of Jin's residence, rushed over immediately upon hearing the news.

Upon entering, seeing Li Yisheng's subtly different aura in the main hall, he stepped forward without hesitation and knelt on one knee:

"His Majesty."

Li Yisheng's eyes were full of satisfaction. With a casual wave of his hand, an invisible force lifted him up.

"No need for formalities. You have made a great contribution in this matter, and I really don't know how to reward you."

Li Cunxiao knew that the other party was referring to Li Min's abdication. He bluntly said that he had contributed to this matter from beginning to end, and in terms of merit, he should be ranked first.

"But you've done such a great service, and you repay kindness with enmity, making me inspect everything and pushing me out to compete with the eldest and third brothers. Don't you have any conscience?"

Thinking this in his heart, he said it out loud as "Your Majesty, I dare not take credit for this," "This is all due to Your Majesty's literary and martial virtues," and "The Mandate of Heaven is beyond my ability to interfere with."

"Alright, don't be so modest. Sit down first. I called you here because there are a few important matters."

He then stood up, sitting with half his buttocks dangling in the air, and secretly glanced across at the other side.

Li Xian didn't speak, but gave him a look.

Li Cunxiao's tension eased slightly.

"I, the Emperor, inherit the legitimate lineage of the Great Qin Dynasty, and appoint Li Xian as the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan and concurrently the Minister of Rites."

“Sanlang is a disciple of Taiyi Zhenren and also comes from the Li family of Longxi.”

"I wish to elevate your family's status. When Li Zongling compiles the family genealogy, you will be listed among my nephews and nieces. What do you say?"

"I am deeply honored," Li Cunxiao quickly stood up to express his gratitude.

Li Yisheng's meaning was simple: since the emperor has already acknowledged me as his uncle, now I'll acknowledge you as my nephew too.

From now on, we are all blood relatives of the Longxi Li clan and the Qin imperial family. This is a great honor for your family.

As for how to proceed, with the clan head of the Li family in Longxi in charge, the clan genealogy will be re-edited—it's all in a matter of a few words.

In any case, Duke Anle, Li Min, dared not object.

To be honest, Li Cunxiao, being a modern person, didn't care much about family ties. In his life, the Ghost Festival was just a time to offer sacrifices to his parents' memorial tablets.

Having a bunch of impressive ancestors isn't an honor for him, nor does it bother him.

But as the saying goes, it's all about carrots and sticks. Li Yisheng's act of kindness must mean he'll have to shoulder more responsibility in the future.

"Furthermore, I previously intended to appoint you as the head of the Three Imperial Guards and to serve as the Commander of the Palace Guards. But upon closer reflection, it is indeed easy to invite criticism."

“You are too young, and at this crucial juncture, you will inevitably be envied by others. This is not a favor, but rather a harm.”

"Your Majesty's concern is deeply appreciated by your subject."

Li Cunxiao felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders, but he wasn't completely at ease yet, because there would definitely be a new appointment coming up, and what if it turned out to be another trap?
"Cunxiao, what do you think of Wenzhou and Fuzhou?" Li Yisheng casually grabbed a screen depicting the Sixteen Circuits of the Great Qin Dynasty, which then floated over automatically.

Li Cunxiao was eager to go out into the world and had recently put a lot of effort into studying the mountains and rivers of the Qin Dynasty. Upon hearing this, he immediately understood.

He bowed respectfully before walking to the screen and pointing with his finger:
"Your Majesty's decisive victory has driven the Zhu traitors out of the Eastern Capital. Now, of the sixteen provinces under Heaven, our Great Qin controls Hedong, Guannei, Longyou, Jiannan, and Qianzhong."

"The tyrant Zhu is arrogant and will surely start another war. The most urgent task is to subdue the various towns, control the troops and supplies, and strengthen the central government."

“The regions of Hedong, Guannei, and Longyou are adjacent to the capital region. Wherever Your Majesty’s divine might reaches, they will naturally submit.”

“Guizhou is home to many barbarians and savages. It is mountainous, land is scarce, and people are poor. It is like a chicken rib, which can be discussed later.”

“However, Jiannan Road is different. Although it is surrounded by mountains, it is a prosperous place with thriving commerce and fertile fields stretching for thousands of miles.”

"King Wang Jian of Shu is ambitious but incompetent. Though fireflies cannot diminish the light of the bright moon, if he stirs up trouble behind the scenes, he will be a festering sore."

Li Cunxiao's finger moved and landed on the narrow border area between Jiannan Road to the north and Longyou Road to the south.

"Wenzhou and Fuzhou are located on the outskirts of the mountains in Sichuan, controlling the throat of Jianmen Pass."

"If there were a grandmaster here, he would be able to intimidate Wang Jian and also easily subdue the barbarians on the snowy mountain, forcing them to pay tribute and submit to him."

"The only concern is that there are many demons in the mountains, making it difficult for a large army to deploy."

"However, if there are elite troops stationed there, along with a group of skilled alchemists, then they can use demons as provisions to continuously supply pills to the capital region."

At this point, Li Cunxiao seemed to suddenly realize something and volunteered to take the lead:
"If Your Majesty approves, I am willing to guard Wenzhou and Fuzhou, to contain the Shu region, and to eliminate evil and prepare medicine."

"No," Li Yisheng said, seeing that the other party understood immediately, and was even more satisfied, but still declined aloud.

"In this great battle, you held the central command and made great contributions. You deserve to be rewarded with a high-ranking official position."

"How can we be reassigned to a barbaric land and forced to mingle with furry, horned beasts? This is not the way to treat meritorious officials well."

Seeing the other party's refusal, Li Cunxiao knew that he had the upper hand.

While repeatedly pleading, he winked at Li Xian, who immediately and smoothly joined in. With both of them pleading together, Li Yisheng reluctantly agreed.

"Since you insist, I will grant your request. After I ascend the throne and change the era name at the end of the year, I will send Master Qici to Wenzhou and Fuzhou with you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Li Yisheng stroked his beard, appearing to be in a very good mood, and his speech returned to its usual casualness.

"The emperor doesn't starve his soldiers; whatever you need, he will grant it."

Li Cunxiao, of course, wouldn't be foolish enough to make such an outrageous demand. After a moment's thought, he replied:

"I previously made an agreement with Your Majesty to recruit the people of Huayin as soldiers. Does that promise still stand?"

"A ruler's word is law," Li Yisheng said with a wave of his hand.

"Your assignments in the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue will be reserved for you before you go to your post in the local area."

"As long as it doesn't exceed the size of an army, you can decide how many to recruit."

Li Cunxiao quickly expressed his gratitude, but in his heart he thought, "Once a person becomes emperor, he likes to test his subjects."

One capital city has two thousand men, and five capital cities together form an army of ten thousand men.

However, despite Li Yisheng's boastful claims, it was impossible for Huayin County, a county town, to find so many able-bodied men, especially given the numerous reinforcements of troops and supplies during the previous six months of war.

He himself was the head of logistics, so how could he not know the government's resources?
According to Li Cunxiao's estimate, at most he could recruit 4,000 soldiers for two capitals, and at most another 2,000 auxiliary and engineering soldiers for one capital, which would be the limit.

This is not only the safety line for the imperial treasury, but also the safety line for the "Grandpa Party" and the "Third Master Party" and their associates.

To allow a grandmaster and a potential grandmaster alchemist to lead an army of ten thousand men.
It's just a flatbread.

“You come from a holy land, so you must have no shortage of methods for training Dao soldiers, but martial arts training cannot be separated from elixirs.”

"There are also a group of demons inside the stupa. I'll deal with them for you as well."

As Li Yisheng spoke, he spread his five fingers, and a pagoda-like light and shadow twisted in his palm, transforming into a key.

"With this item, you can enter and exit the stupa anywhere in the capital."

As he spoke, the golden key flew automatically and hung on Li Cunxiao's belt.

Li Cunxiao was naturally satisfied with this. He had previously considered improving the Daoist weapons and their accompanying secret medicines, but he was still missing a crucial element of malevolent energy, so this came at just the right time.

Judging that Li Yisheng's rewards would end here, Li Cunxiao was about to bow and take his leave.

But at that moment, a gaze, as tangible as mountains, pressed down on his shoulders. He looked up and saw that within his single eye sat Buddhas, their gazes lowered from Mount Sumeru.
“The other bodyguards who follow me all have their own needs.”

“When a king is granted a fiefdom and a minister reaches the highest position, his desires will not be satisfied, and he will naturally feel resentment, no matter how much or how little.”

“You have only been with me for half a year, yet you have done your best in everything, and you have no complaints even when you were exiled to a desolate place.”

"Has he attained the Samadhi of Taoism and has no other desires? Or does he have great desires and is therefore temporarily suppressing them?"

"Li Cunxiao, tell me, what do you want?"

The deep voice, like the thunderous roar of Buddha, reached the deepest part of the heart.

For a fleeting moment, Li Cunxiao felt an urge to tell everything.

However, within the Niwan (a point on the body), the spirit of Haotian suddenly trembled.

The three altars of Heaven, Earth, and Sea are connected, resembling a triangle, forming their own world, which immediately calmed the tremors in my primordial spirit.

"Damn it! That old bastard has no sportsmanship, ambushing a junior like me!"

Li Cunxiao snapped out of his daze and looked into those eyes that seemed to have seen through the cycle of reincarnation, breaking out in a cold sweat.

If Li Yisheng's use of this method fails to provide him with a satisfactory answer, the test is not yet over.

It is too risky to lie in front of a grandmaster; one can only selectively tell the truth.

"While staying in the central government certainly brings immense power, I aspire to become a Grandmaster, a Great Grandmaster, as soon as possible to avenge my master."

“Being sent to a remote place to hone my martial arts skills is exactly what I’ve always longed for. Even if Your Majesty hadn’t mentioned it, I would have brought it up myself.”

Li Yisheng was taken aback. The strange phenomenon in his eyes disappeared, and then he chuckled to himself.

In his view, this answer was very appropriate for the other party's identity.

Which genius doesn't consider himself extraordinary?
At only twenty years old, he was already thinking about breaking through the protective barriers and becoming a grandmaster or earth immortal.

Cultivation is like climbing a mountain, with each step revealing a new level; it's not that simple.
By the time Li Cunxiao becomes a grandmaster, he will probably have already unified the world, and the grass on Zhu Quanzhong's grave will be a meter high.

In any case, given his youthful nature and the increasingly obvious targeting by Li Siyuan and Li Cunxu, it was perfectly normal for Li Cunxiao to want to be transferred to a post outside the capital.

Qi Ci himself is not an ambitious person. If he is stationed in the southwest, there will be no turmoil for at least a few years.

"You certainly have a strong character," Li Yisheng said, lowering his guard. Looking at Li Cunxiao, who was sweating profusely and had barely passed the test, he finally bestowed upon him his final reward:

“Since Wang Jian is a subject of the Qin Dynasty, he should pay taxes every year. I entrust this matter to you.”

"No matter how much is collected, I will allow you to keep a portion for your own use."

“Cunxiao, you are exceptionally talented, I will not let you be buried in the wilderness.”

"When I return to the capital next time, I will surely bestow upon you the title of Prince of Song."

"Sanlang should be the vanguard, and reclaim the heartland of the two rivers for me!"

(End of this chapter)